As a kid, I can remember hopping in my mom’s car to drive around and look at Christmas lights, and to this day, seeing how others decorate this time of year remains one of my favorite pastimes. Of course, now there’s Instagram, through which we can peek inside people’s decked-out holiday homes, often inspiring additions to our own holiday decor. Although this season is often about tradition, I believe that holiday decor should evolve and allow room for new ideas year after year.
Below, I’m sharing some of the most beautiful holiday decor ideas from around the web that will have you absolutely convinced that you need several trees, mantels, and maybe some extra windows just to feature all of the beautiful ideas you’ve uncovered. Or maybe that’s just me?
1. Place a mirror behind your Christmas tree
The easiest way to take your holiday decor to the next level? Use the power of mirrors to give your Christmas tree extra impact. Lean a floor-length mirror on the wall adjacent to your tree so it reflects all the twinkly lights and ornaments back into the room. This trick works especially well in small spaces if you want your tree to look bigger and brighter than it really is.
2. Line your fireplace with candles
Make your fireplace feel extra festive day and night with this holiday decor idea. Line the firebox with pillar candles (real or faux—either works!) in varying heights, then light them in the evening to fill the room with a soft, candlelit glow. This is a great solution if you have a non-working fireplace or simply want it to look festive even when you’re not having a fire.
3. Bring in miniature trees
If given the opportunity, I’d put several Christmas trees in every room, but since that’s not exactly feasible in most homes, miniature trees are a great way to kick it up a notch without going overboard. Choose pre-lit ones to make it easy, or string them with fairy lights for a subtle glow. Placing the trees in baskets or vases (as Destiny from @justdestinymag did here) gives them a more polished and elevated look.
4. Add some nostalgia to your tree
Yes, you want your tree to look cohesive with the rest of your holiday decor, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be a perfectly curated display with no personality. Bring in some nostalgia with ornaments that have special meaning to you. Whether they were handmade by your younger self, handed down by a relative, or collected over the years, the assortment will represent you in an extra special way—even if they don’t all match exactly.
5. Trim holiday stockings with velvet ribbon
I love that this idea from Anastasia of @theidentitecollective feels simple yet special and festive, and it’s far more budget-friendly than the classic needlepoint stockings that I drool over year after year. The best part is that you can mix up the ribbon each season to fit your taste, so while a neutral velvet ribbon is perfect this year, maybe next year, you can opt for a more traditional plaid.
6. Use candlesticks in place of traditional tree lights
I’ve incorporated this style into my own home, and honestly, I can never go back. I love that the candlesticks almost double as ornaments. They feel decidedly old-world and classic while still offering a fresh take on decorating the Christmas tree in 2022.
7. Opt for retro flair with garland
If retro and playful is more your style, look no further for holiday decor inspiration than Orlando Soria. This tinsel garland completely transforms the doorway and makes you feel as though you’re walking through a darling winter wonderland. Plus, flanking the dining table with two trees? Sign me up.
8. Make the tree stand a design feature
Never in all my years did I think I would covet a Christmas tree stand, but here we are. This Scandinavian-inspired accent looks best sans tree skirt and lends such a charming and handmade feel to the rest of the living room.
9. Add a bit of cheer to the bedroom
If you’re a member of the holiday-decor-in-every-room camp, the addition of garland above your bed is too sweet to skip. Let it trail across the top of your headboard and over your nightstands if needed. For a more whimsical look, opt for greenery strung with twinkle lights to add to the festive ambience at night.
10. Keep it simple
This is what my living room holiday decor would look like if I had any chill during Christmastime. The simply lit tree exudes casual and understated elegance while still feeling festive for this time of year. If colorful and quirky aren’t your thing, a sea of creamy whites, golds, and greens will fit right in with your space.
11. Feature a candlelit glow in the windows
While perhaps less practical than your standard battery-powered candles, there’s something so idyllic about these long wax tapers. I particularly love how these frame the area around the tree, creating a dedicated space that feels transportive and particularly magical.
12. Opt for an asymmetrical garland
I’ve tried hanging garland on my mantle numerous times and always find that it feels awkward in a way that I can’t quite put my finger on. After combing through tons of inspiration photos, I’ve finally found the answer: an asymmetrical mantel design. This method allows you to create trailing greenery that feels luxe and elegant, even though the overall design has a slightly more modern take on holiday decor.
